“FAB” Tray
Design:
Client: Hardy-Glenwood Products
Date: 1960s
Add comment September 5th, 2010
Housewares
Huronia Pottery Coffee Set
Design: Tom Hrcek
Client: Huronia Pottery
Date: 1970
This is a great set from Huronia Pottery, in its distinctive shape and glaze. Huronia Pottery was based in Meaford, Ontario and was founded by Tom Hrcek, a Czech immigrant who had worked at Blue Mountain Pottery in Collingwood, Ontario, as a mold maker. This glaze is undoubtedly Frankoma inspired. The pottery closed in the 1970?s.
Add comment August 28th, 2010
U+ Repurposed Clock
Design:
Client: Umbra
Date: 2009
Following the remix trend, Umbra produces a number of market tests of the repurposed variety (taking found objects and upcycling them into a new use). I am not convinced on the success of this tactic here given that the results are so homely and unappealing, both qualities that consumer goods die from. The connection between the found objects and the function/purpose of the clock seems to have been lost in translation, with the glued on objects adding little to the objects narrative. What story/experience does a cassette tape and stuffed animal join to create? Why, in the world of mass time availability (phones, micowaves, DVD players, etc) do we need another clock? I applaud Umbra for the risk taking and ground breaking though, as good ideas like repurposing are always worth exploring.
3 comments August 27th, 2010
Felt Wall and Room Divider
Design: Kathryn Walter
Client: Felt Studio
Date: 2008
Add comment August 22nd, 2010
The Great Looney Collector Piggy Bank
Design: A.O. Pavlenko, Vancouver
Client:
Date: 1990
Canadianna at its best, a truly Canadian “piggy” bank. This fun ceramic porcine piggy bank was inspired by the newly introduced tax know as the GST. Titled “The Great Looney Collector” it was made in 1990 by A.O. Pavlenko and depicts the face of the creator of the infamous “GST’’, then Prime Minister Brian Mulroney on the body of a “piggy”.
-Old Luxe
Via our friends at the Canadian Pottery Identifier.
Add comment August 20th, 2010
Canadian Mason Jars Tealights
Design: Alyssa Ettinger
Client:
Date: 2010
Add comment August 17th, 2010
Commonwealth Games Mug
Design:
Client: Edmonton Commonwealth Games
Date: 1978
Designers always tend to collect the most interesting items such as this mug from the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton 1978. During a recent trip to Edmonton, I had coffee with friends and uncovered these fantastic images from the collection Kevin and Rebecca Dieterman.
- John Greg Ball
Add comment August 17th, 2010
Birdhouse and Food
Design: Azul Amuchastegui Bari
Client: Concept
Date: 2009
Add comment August 16th, 2010
Sial Pitcher
Design: Pierre Legault
Production: Sial, Laval, QC
Date: 1970s
3 comments August 13th, 2010
Ball-B-Q (Version 2)
Designer: William Wiggins
Manufacturer: Shepard Products, Toronto ON
Date: 1980
Photo: Steve Brunet
Add comment August 12th, 2010